Newborn Hiccups: Causes and Concerns for Parents

Q: Newborn Hiccups: Causes and Concerns for Parents

Hello： (1) The bilirubin levels will steadily decrease over time. <br>If there are no conditions such as dehydration or hemolysis, the bilirubin levels will not reverse and rise again. <br>(2) After a baby finishes feeding, gently patting their back to help them burp (the patting

The reason why a newborn's body may twitch while burping is often due to the immature nervous system and muscle control. During the burping process, the baby may experience a reflex response as air is expelled from the stomach, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions. Additionally, the

Hello Doctor,
Description of the newborn: (1) Male, currently 23 days old, birth weight 3,500g.
(2) Experienced jaundice at birth and received phototherapy.
(3) Currently breastfeeding and formula feeding (approximately 50cc of formula every 2-3 hours).
I have the following questions:
(1) If the jaundice levels are steadily decreasing, can we assume that there is no need to worry about the levels reversing and increasing again?
(2) After feeding, I gently pat the baby on the back to help him burp (the patting area is above the diaper), but with each pat, the baby’s body twitches.
If I don’t pat, this does not happen.
Is this a normal phenomenon?
(3) The mother is currently taking iron supplements and a stool softener prescribed by her obstetrician.
Will these medications affect the breastfeeding baby?
(4) We live in a dry and cold area of the United States, where winter temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Celsius.
Can the baby experience nosebleeds due to the cold and dry air? The baby seems to have some phlegm while sleeping, and I am concerned whether this is nasal discharge or blood flowing back.

Thank you very much for your kind response.
Sincerely,
Alison

Alison, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/12/30

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: (1) The bilirubin levels will steadily decrease over time.
If there are no conditions such as dehydration or hemolysis, the bilirubin levels will not reverse and rise again.
(2) After a baby finishes feeding, gently patting their back to help them burp (the patting should be done above the diaper area) may cause the baby's body to twitch with each pat.
This is a normal phenomenon.
Since the baby is still small and their nervous system is not fully mature, they may occasionally exhibit involuntary reflexive movements.
This will gradually diminish as the baby grows.
(3) The mother is currently taking iron supplements and stool softeners prescribed by her obstetrician.
There are many types of these medications, most of which do not affect breastfed infants.
For example, the safety classification for pregnant women of the iron supplement PUTAN is considered the safest.
However, it is still advisable to confirm with the obstetrician whether the medications you are using are safe.
(4) Infants are indeed prone to nosebleeds due to cold and dry air.
If the baby seems to have phlegm while sleeping, it could be due to nasal discharge or post-nasal drip, or it may indicate the presence of phlegm in the lungs or laryngomalacia.
It is best to consult a pediatrician for an examination.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng, Chief of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2008/12/30

More Info

Hello Alison,
Thank you for your questions regarding your newborn's health. It's completely understandable to have concerns as a new parent, especially when it comes to the well-being of your baby. Let’s address each of your questions in detail.

1. Jaundice and Its Management: It's great to hear that your baby's jaundice levels are stabilizing. Generally, if the bilirubin levels are decreasing and remain stable, there is less concern about them rising again. However, it’s essential to monitor your baby closely for any signs of jaundice returning, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice any changes, it’s best to consult your pediatrician for further evaluation.

2. Hiccups and Body Movements: Hiccups in newborns are quite common and usually not a cause for concern. They can occur due to various reasons, such as feeding too quickly, swallowing air, or even changes in temperature. The fact that your baby’s body twitches or moves when you pat their back could be a reflexive response, which is also normal. However, if you notice any unusual or concerning movements, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician.

3. Medications and Breastfeeding: The iron supplement and stool softener prescribed by your obstetrician are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and should not adversely affect your baby. Iron supplements can sometimes cause constipation in mothers, but they are crucial for replenishing iron stores, especially after childbirth. If you have any concerns about how these medications might affect your milk or your baby, discussing them with your healthcare provider can provide peace of mind.

4. Cold Weather and Nosebleeds: Living in a cold and dry climate can indeed lead to nasal dryness, which might cause nosebleeds in infants. Newborns have delicate nasal passages, and dry air can irritate them. To help mitigate this, consider using a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture in the air, especially during winter months. If your baby seems to have mucus or phlegm, it could be due to nasal congestion rather than blood. If you’re concerned about whether it’s nasal blood or mucus, observing the color and consistency can help. Clear or white mucus is typical, while blood would appear red or pink. If you’re ever in doubt, consulting your pediatrician is the best course of action.

In summary, it sounds like you are doing a great job caring for your newborn. Monitoring your baby’s jaundice, understanding their reflexes, ensuring safe medication practices, and managing environmental factors like dryness will all contribute to their health and comfort. Always trust your instincts as a parent, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns. They are there to support you and your baby through this journey.

Best wishes to you and your little one!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Baby's Hiccups After Feeding: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Tsai: My baby was born about two weeks ago. Due to insufficient breast milk, I mostly feed my baby formula. However, after each feeding, my baby tends to have continuous small burps, even though I have been burping him properly after each feeding. Could this be caused b...

Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Sir/Madam, This is Dr. Lin Huizhen, the Director of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Due to personnel changes, I am responding on behalf of the department. It is common for newborns to experience hiccups after feeding due to a w...

Understanding Common Concerns for Newborns: Hiccups, Temperature, and Breathing

Hello Dr. Chang, My son is a 10-day-old newborn, and after returning home, I've noticed that he often hiccups after feeding. Why does he hiccup so frequently? Is there any relation to this? Additionally, how can I assess whether a newborn is too cold or too hot, and how sho...

Dr. Zhang Jinglong reply Pediatrics
A new mother asked about her 10-day-old newborn son, who often hiccups after feeding. She wants to know why this happens and if it is related to anything. Additionally, she inquires about how to assess if the newborn is too cold or too hot and how to adjust their covering. What i...

Understanding Pediatric Bloating: Causes, Prevention, and Speech Concerns

Hello, doctor: (1) My son has been experiencing bloating for more than a week, and applying anti-bloating cream hasn't helped much. Could this indicate indigestion if it continues like this? How can we prevent it in the future? (2) My child is currently 2 years and 5 months ...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Dear Xiao Min, Hello! (1) The condition of abdominal bloating is particularly noticeable in children after they eat, primarily due to the thinner abdominal wall muscles. Generally, this improves after the age of 5. However, one should be cautious of the following conditions: -...

Managing Gas and Eye Discharge in Infants: Expert Advice

Hello Dr. Liang, 1. My son is currently 20 days old and has issues with gas. Besides applying medication, are there any other methods to help? 2. My baby has a lot of eye discharge. Is this a concern? How should I handle it? I kindly ask for your response, thank you!

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics
Hello: Neonatal abdominal distension is sometimes thought to be caused by the intake of air into the stomach during breastfeeding, leading to gastrointestinal bloating. Recent literature indicates that it may be related to allergic gastrointestinal conditions in infants. When add...